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Successful Breastfeeding Journey For New Mothers: Proven Techniques For Healthy Growth And Bonding

ByAhanaf Nisha
Updated: 8 Jan 2026, 3:26 pm

Breastfeeding is the best thing a mother can do for her baby. From building emotional bonding to strengthening immunity, breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to both mother and the baby. Yet, many mothers have minimal knowledge about breastfeeding. Reading this guide will help mothers understand the basics of breastfeeding, positioning, and nutrition.

Pregatips.com
Most young women misunderstand that breastfeeding is a matter of personal preference. Some believe formula milk is equal to breast milk. Artificial formula and cow milk will never match a mother's breast milk. For years, breastfeeding has been recognised as a crucial part of child growth.
In this article:
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 monthsto promote optimal infant health and development. The first drops of breastmilk, colostrum, are also known as “liquid gold” because they are rich in antibodies, proteins, and nutrients to kickstart the baby’s immune system development.

How Breastfeeding Works

Breastfeeding is powered by two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones don't function optimally during pregnancy due to the presence of other pregnancy-related hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
  • Prolactin is the milk-producing hormone. The effect of prolactin only begins after progesterone and oestrogen have settled. It surges as the baby suckles.
  • Oxytocin is the love hormone (or cuddle hormone), which triggers milk ejection or letdown. Oxytocin surges when your body prepares to feed the baby.
Milk production is driven by the supply and demand mechanism. The more the baby nurses, the more milk the baby produces. Each breast produces milk separately, meaning one breast may produce more milk than the other.

Breast milk contents change and evolve as the days progress to meet the baby’s growing needs. This is also the reason why breastfeeding is important. Human breast milk contains proteins that support brain development and immunity, helping to fight human diseases. In contrast, cow milk contains proteins that support muscular growth and immunity to fight against bovine disease.
  • Colostrum: For the first 3 to 5 days, milk is thick, yellow, and rich with antibodies.
  • Transitional Milk: Milk from days 5 to 14 has a creamier texture and fat content.
  • Mature Milk: After two weeks, milk has a mix of foremilk, which is more watery and thirst-quenching and hindmilk, which is rich and satisfying.

First Latch and Positioning

Throughout the first few hours after birth, the baby usually stays alert and waits for the mother to feed. This marks the initiation of breastfeeding and the establishment of skin-to-skin contact.

1. First Latching:
The right latch facilitates the milk transfer and avoids nipple pain. While nursing, ensure:
  • Hand cup your breast in a “C” shape
  • Baby’s mouth is open wide
  • Tongue should be down
  • Lips should be in line with your nipple (open outward)
  • Chin touches the breast
  • More lower areola is inside the mouth
  • You don't feel pain
  • Slowly bring the baby toward your breast from the centre
2. Position:
Before feeding, sit in a comfortable position without any distractions around you. Sit with a supportive pillow behind you. Avoid leaning forward or slouching while nursing, as it will make you tired and trigger a backache. Comfortable position allows letdown. You can follow the breastfeeding positions below.
  • Cradle: Place a pillow on your lap and bring the baby up to your breast. Position the baby’s lower arm behind and head on your arm. Your arms should support the baby's back and hand the baby’s bottom, and your other arm should cup your breast.
  • Football: Support your baby by holding the neck behind, and the back resting on your arm. Your other hands cup the breast for the latch.
  • Lying on your side: It is the perfect position for feeding when you need rest or at night. Both you and the baby lie on the side, facing each other, while you support the baby’s back with your hand and pull the baby towards your breast.
  • Cross-cradle: It is the opposite of the cradle position. Here, you use the arm opposite the breast to support the baby.

Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions

For new moms, especially in the first few weeks, breastfeeding can be challenging. Here are a few challenges you can expect, along with ways to cope.
  • Sore Nipples: Wrong position can cause sore nipples. Reposition the baby and allow a deep latch or express a few drops of milk.
  • Engorgement: Full or hard breasts can be uncomfortable and painful. Feeding frequently and applying warm compress before and cold compress after helps.
  • Blocked Ducts: Blocked milk ducts or mastitis increase the risk of inflammation and infection. Gentle massage and frequent feeding on the same side are recommended.
  • Low milk supply: Increase feeding frequency, stay well-hydrated, and consume foods by adding fenugreek, garlic, and fennel to support lactation.

How to Build a Successful Breastfeeding Routine

  • Feed frequently and don't force the baby
  • Look for cues like rooting or sucking
  • Feed at night to maintain milk production, as prolactin peaks at that time
  • Gently pat or rub after each meal for burp
  • Don't depend on bottle milk or pacifiers at the start, as it may hinder milk production
  • Be comfortable for enhanced letdown
  • Ask your partner for help to increase the family bond

Nutrition, Hydration, and Self-Care for Lactating Mothers

To continue producing milk, you need sufficient nourishment and a lactation-friendly palate to support milk production.
  • Add an extra 500 calories to your diet with protein, healthy fats, iron, and calcium-rich foods.
  • Drink around 3 litres of fluids like water, coconut water, soups, and milk.
  • Gently massage and do warm and cold compression before and after nursing.
  • Rest well when your baby sleeps.
  • Seek emotional support from your family.
Breastfeeding can be difficult for mothers who are returning to work. That doesn't mean you should stop nursing entirely. You can express milk manually by pumping or using an electric pump to express milk and store it in the freezer. Let the caregiver feed the baby on time after the milk has defrosted.

Continuing breastfeeding for six months helps reduce the risk of diarrhoea, constipation, and obesity in later life. Breastfeeding fosters emotional attachment and regulation in infants, laying the foundation for social and psychological development. Heightened oxytocin during nursing helps increase maternal caregiving behaviour and empathy.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Successful Breastfeeding Journey For New Mothers: Proven Techniques For Healthy Growth And Bonding

  1. What is the 333 rule for breast milk?
    The 333 rule is a mnemonic tool used to store milk. You can store breast milk for 3 months in the freezer, 3 days in the refrigerator, and 3 hours at room temperature.
  2. How fast do breasts refill with milk?
    Frequent feeding is crucial for maintaining a healthy breast milk supply. Breast milk starts replenishing within 20 to 30 minutes, while it takes 1 to 2 hours to fill.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Mayuri Parakh, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, SPARSH Hospital, Sarjapur Road